U.S. Retail MarketView Q2 2013

Economic data painted a mixed picture for retailers in Q2 2013. Total retail sales growth decelerated in Q2 2013, expanding by only 0.81% on a quarter-over-quarter basis, which was down from the 1.03% increase logged in Q1 2013. The quarter’s soft retail sales growth was in line with other mixed economic news, as comprehensive revisions to GDP found that the U.S. economy expanded at a 1.7% annualized rate during Q2 2013, while growth in Q1 2013 was significantly revised downward to 1.1%. Looking at forward indicators, high inventory levels may weigh on economic growth in the coming months.